Which ignition system is better?

[baron_matt]

Hi

126 seems to have 3 different ignition systems

1. conventional points and distributor with rotor arm and single coil.

2. conventional points with distributor without rotor arm and double ended coil

3. electronic ignition system with flywheel sensor, double ended coil and no distributor.

As I have a 1984 car I have the first system, and I've been battling to get it to run right after replacing all leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, points and condenser, it still seems hard to get it to run nicely without pinking.

Instead of blowing a mighty £250 on 123 ignition, would there be any benefit in using the 2nd system with a double coil? Is there any gain from this system over the 1st?

[rick]

First, check the CB gap, if that's too small you are effectively advancing the ignition. When that is OK check your timing, pinking is generally associated with being too fare advanced.
Rick

[baron_matt]

Hi

Well I had a good evening tinkering on the 126 last night, it now starts, runs and drives nicely (aside from the clonking at the front end caused by a shot kingpin).

The non sparking was discovered to be due to a problem within the distributor, which was only discovered on changing the points.

The plastic block into which the coil earth, condenser and points spring connect to had snapped and the points spring was earthing out onto the body of the distributor. Luckily in my quality street tin of spares that came with the car, a new plastic insulator block was present. After stripping the points out and fitting of new points, condenser,  insulator plus a good spray of WD 40 over the advance weights to clean some of the crud out, the little thing started first time and runs as sweet as a nut.

Rusty's vinegar trick with the carb has played dividends too as there is no bunny hopping or poor running as yet. Its like a different car.

So now just the front suspension to sort out and it might pass an MOT.